Health Matters Fernvale

GP Practice

Dr Joan Baker has worked in general practice in the Karalee and Karana Downs area since 1996, and prior to that in the Brisbane Valley.

Joan has a keen interest in the health of the whole person and all aspects of general practice. Dr Baker and Dr Cassidy purchased the practice in 2004. It has since undergone three extensions and renovations, providing a comfortable and comprehensive venue for good quality general practice.

Dr Eddie Cassidy comes from Townsville, and moved to Brisbane in 1990 to commence his medical studies at the University of Queensland. He graduated in 1995 and was awarded the Queensland Health Rural scholarship for the final three years of his studies. This was followed by an intern year at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in South Brisbane in 1996. He was awarded the Lahz Memorial Prize for the most outstanding intern.

Dr Mark O’Donoghue grew up in Ipswich and attended Ipswich State High before studying medicine at the University of Queensland.

As well as traditional family medicine his particular areas of interest are men’s health and the diagnosis and management of skin cancer. He has completed his Masters in Skin Cancer Medicine. Dr Mark O’Donoghue has also worked part time in the Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department for the past five years. Mark is married, a proud grandfather and enjoys sailing, cycling and back packing.

Dr Rajini Bharathi completed her specialist qualifications in general practice in Brisbane in 2007. Prior to this Dr Bharathi spent her hospital years at both Gold Coast and Mater Hospitals. Dr Bharathi has a wide range of general practice experience including working for several years in practices in St George and Warwick before coming to health matters karalee in 2008. Her special interests include children, youth , women’s health and mental health.

Much to the Practice and her patient’s delight, Dr Kate Sewell is back with us after a taking some time away for sick leave. Kate’s special interests are family medicine, child and adolescent health, women's health, chronic disease management, palliative care.

Dr Mark Nuttall obtained his post-graduate medical degree from Griffith University, prior to this he completed a Bachelor of Nursing at QUT and worked as a mental health nurse at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. He moved to Townsville to complete his internship and junior medical officer rotations. He obtained a Clinical Diploma in Palliative Medicine prior to starting his general practice training. Mark completed his general practice training while working on Palm Island located off the coast of Townsville. This role involved general practice work and on-call work at the 10 bed hospital and emergency department.

In my 23 years of professional life as a Medical Practitioner, I have gained experience in various fields of medicine. I became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2010 and have enjoyed working the last 10 years in regional Queensland - Townsville, Toowoomba, Pittsworth and Gatton. My previous experience includes working as the Chief Medical Officer of a rural hospital for three years and was a Senior Medical Officer of an intensive cardiology unit as well as a Senior Medical Officer of a Medical department. During these years, I have gained confidence in dealing with all sorts of medical, surgical, gynaecological & obstetrics, paediatrics and psychiatric conditions. Although, I am interested in all areas of medicine; my favourite divisions of medicines include cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, diabetic and endocrinal pathology, arthritis, mental health issues, skin checks, men’s specific health issues, work related injuries, employment medicals and travel medicine.

Dr. Brooke Miegel studied in Townsville and completed her medical degree in 2009. She previously worked in Mount Isa and is a Queensland girl born and bred. She has a special interest in paediatrics after working in The Lady Cilento Children's hospital for 18 months. Brooke is currently working at our Karalee and Fernvale practices.

Dr Katherine Lynch has recently returned to practice in the Ipswich area from Northern NSW. Her special interests are women's health, paediatrics, and emergency medicine, but she enjoys all areas of general practice. Outside of work, Katherine enjoys spending time with her dogs and her family, as well as exploring SE Qld.